The Italian news agency ANSA reports that a team led by art historian Silvano Vincenti, head of the National Committee for the Enhancement of Historical, Cultural and Environmental Heritage, may have discovered a tomb in a former convent that could contain the skeleton of Lisa Gherardini, thought to be the subject of Leonardo Da Vinci's 'Mona Lisa.'

"I am convinced that, thanks to the minister's Italian origins, she will not only respond positively to our request, she will understand its motives," said the committee's president, Silvano Vincenti, who is determined to turn the Mona Lisa into Italy's equivalent of the Elgin Marbles.

Returning the painting would be of "high historical value, both symbolic and moral", he added.

Italian historian Silvano Vincenti, known for his scheme to dig up the bones of Lisa Gherardini, the presumed model for the Mona Lisa, is trying to bring the iconic painting to Florence in 2013.

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While no official request has yet been made - Vincenti is hoping to get 100,000 people to sign his petition and to marshal the support of the Italian parliament - the Louvre has already refused, with painting department director Vincent Pomarède telling AFP that...